ABSTRACT
Pathologies of the lumbar region of the spine are increasing in society. As this is a region constantly subjected to loading and of great mobility, the incidence of these problems takes on a great weight in the health systems of the countries. Thus, its study allows the formulation of new methods for diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed at describing the development of a finite element model of the lumbar spine region (L1-L5), as well as the biomechanical response of the spine to successive forces. This was possible with ITK-Snap®, Meshlab®, SolidWorks® and ABAQUS® software packages. The model consists of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments that make up this lumbar spine segment. The studies carried out considered physiological efforts of flexion and extension through implementation of 5, 7.5 and 10Nm moments, with no preload, or alternatively with a preload of 50N or 100N. It was shown that moments above 7.5Nm were exaggerated and thus may lead to degeneration of the lumbar spine.
